Log skidding cone

ABSTRACT

An end guard is described for use in skidding logs. This end guard comprises a cylindrical body open at one end to receive a log to be skidded, with the other end of said body converging axially and outwardly from the body to define an aperture. This aperture is of a size sufficient to allow a flexible member such as a chain or cable to pass therethrough for engaging the log to be skidded. The open end of the cylindrical body includes a semicylindrical extension which projects longitudinally therefrom. In one preferred form at least one stop member is provided interiorly of the cylindrical body of the end guard, to limit the distance a log can be drawn inwardly into the convergent end of the guard. It is also preferrable herein to provide the convergent end of the guard with deflecting means which operate to inhibit the end guard from abutting against an obstacle such as a tree trunk or stump. In still another preferred form, the semi-cylindrical extension of the end guard includes a pair of spaced apart reinforcing rib members which are operable for both reinforcing that extension and also providing guidance to a log being drawn into the end guard.

Unite States McLeod 1 1 LOG SKIDDING CONE [76] Inventor: Donald A. McLeod, St. Stephen,

New Brunswick, Canada, EOG3A0 [22] Filed: Feb. 19, 1975 [21] Appl. No.: 551,297

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Mar. 7, 1974 Canada I. 194296 [52] US. Cl 254/1; 144/34 A; 214/3 R; 294/78 R; 294/118 [51] Int. Cl. B60P 1/00; AOIG 23/08; B66C l/34;

Primary ExaminerOthell M. Simpson Attorney, Agent, or FirmCushman, Darby & Cushman [5 7] ABSTRACT An end guard is described for use in skidding logs. This end guard comprises a cylindrical body open at one end to receive a log to be skidded, with the other end of said body converging axially and outwardly from the body to define an aperture. This aperture is of a size sufficient to allow a flexible member such as a chain or cable to pass therethrough for engaging the log to be skidded. The open end of the cylindrical body includes a semi-cylindrical extension which projects longitudinally therefrom. In one preferred form at least one stop member is provided interiorly of the cylindrical body of the end guard, to limit the distance a log can be drawn inwardly into the convergent end of the guard. It is also preferrable herein to provide the convergent end of the guard with deflecting means which operate to inhibit the end guard from abutting against an obstacle such as a tree trunk or stump. In still another preferred form, the semicylindrical extension of the end guard includes a pair of spaced apart reinforcing rib members which are operable for both reinforcing that extension and also providing guidance to a log being drawn into the end guard.

US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet 1 015 US. Patent Dec.16,1975 sheetzofs 3,926,410

US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet3of5 3,926,410

US. Patent Dec. 16, 1975 Sheet 4 of5 3,926,410

FIG. 8

US. Patent Dec.16, 1975 Sheet5of5 3,926,410

LOG SKIDDING CONE This invention relates to a guard or cone for use in skidding logs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The skidding of logs either with draft animals or machinery is hampered frequently with the tendency of the leading end of the log to dig into soft ground, engage rocks, roots or abut against small trees or other such obstacles. These hinderences are clearly disadvantageous. They cause greater wear and tear on the equipment being used, and require more power to be consumed. Thus, there has remained the need in this art to overcome effectively the problems just mentioned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is expected to minimize and possibly eliminate many of the problems associated previously with the skidding of logs. It is one feature of this invention, for instance, to provide a guard or cone which reduces the tendency of the leading end of the log from catching or abutting on rock, roots, fallen trees or the like. Moreover, the build up of snow or mud which previously preceeded the forward end of the log during skidding, is greatly reduced.

There are other advantages which are also gained through use of the present invention. These include the creation of fewer mud holes caused by logs digging into the ground; the accumulation of less mud and dirt on the log being skidded, thereby reducing wear and tear on saw blades and less frequent sharpening thereof. In general, time is saved in skidding and yarding operations. When the log skidding cone is being drawn forwardly through the woods, with the cone in position on the forward end of the log, normal objects which would be encountered are not a problem, therefore, the preparation of skidding trails is not necessary for good performance. According to this invention, therefore, there is provided an end guard or cone for use in skidding logs, the guard comprising a cylindral body open at one end to receive a log to be skidded, with the other end of said body being axially convergent to define an aperture of a size sufficient to allow a flexible member to pass therethrough and engage the log, said open end of the body including a semicylindrical extension projecting longitudinally therefrom.

In one preferred embodiment the present end guard or skidding cone is provided with a pair of spaced apart reinforcing rib members which are formed on the cylindrical body and semi-cylindrical extension thereof. These rib members provide reinforcement to that extension and guidance to a log being drawn into the end guard.

In another preferred embodiment the convergent end of the cylindrical body is formed with deflecting means which inhibit the end guard from abutting against an obstacle such as a rock, tree trunk or the like.

These and other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. That description should now be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example only some preferred forms which the present invention can take.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an end guard according to this invention, for use in skidding logs;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the end guard of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of the end guard of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the end guard of FIG.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 of an alternative embodiment of the end guard of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the guard described herein being positioned for use on a log;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view taken from the side of the end guard of FIG. 1, in use,; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further use of the end guard of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in detail to the drawings, an end guard or skidding cone according to the invention is indicated generally at 10, in FIG. 1. The end guard 10 includes a cylindrical body of suitable material such as metal or reinforced plastic. The body 12 defines an open end 13 and opposite thereto, an axially convergent closed end 14 which tapers radially inwardly to define an aperture 15.

The convergent closed end of the metal body 12 as shown in FIG. 1 is frusto-conical in form. Other similar configurations could also be used. The frusto-conical portion 14 is secured, for instance, by welding to the body 12 and is provided with the aperture 15. This aperture preferrably is provided with a fairlead 20 secured therein as by welding. See FIG. 3 in particular. A choker chain or cable 22 passes through the fairlead 20 and is adapted to engage an end portion of a log 23 circumferentially, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of apertures 21 are provided in the convergent end portion 14, and are positioned so that a cable or hook (not shown) can be passed through such apertures or otherwise secured temporarily through the conical portion 14, making it possible to pull the end guard 10 off the log which normally would weight down that end guard. It is also seen from those figures, and also from FIG. 7, that there is provided interiorly of the frusto-conical portion 14 a pair of bars or stops 25. These stops 25 prevent the log 23 from being drawn too far forwardly into the frustoconical portion 14 and avoids jamming of the logs therein.

Another feature of the end guard 10 can also be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. There, a portion of the trailing edge:

of the trailing body 12 is cut away as shown at 26. This provides an integrally formed semicylindrical extension or loading lip 27. A portion of that loading lip 27 extends longitudinally outwardly to define a shovel point 28. It is also seen from FIGS. 1 3 that the leading end of the end guard 10 preferrably is provided with deflecting bars 30 which are spaced apart sufficiently to allow the chain or cable 22 to pass therethrough. These deflecting bars 30 are conveniently welded, or otherwise rigidly fixed to the leading end of the frustoconical portion 14. In using the end guard 10 to skid logs, the presence of deflecting bars 30 inhibits the otherwise flattened fairlead or leading end of the frustoconical portion 14 from abutting against small trees, roots, rocks or other such obstacles which tend to hin der the progress of a log being skidded along the ground.

Reference should now be had to FIG. 4 of the draw ings, which illustrates the end guard or skidding cone 10, and a further feature of that end guard. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the shovel point 28 on the loading lip 27 has been replaced by a somewhat scalloped trailing edge. This is shown at 32. In addition, the semicylindrical lip 27 includes a pair of reinforcing ribs or bars 34 which preferrably are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the body 12 of the end guard 10. These bars 34 are conveniently in the form of inverted V-shaped channels or the like. The purpose of these reinforcing bars is to strengthen the loading lip 27 when a log is being drawn into the end guard 10, as well as providing guidance for that log. Preferrably, these reinforcing bars or ribs 34 are disposed longitudinally. being parallel to the stops 25 as seen in both FIGS. 4 and 7.

It will be evident to those knowledgable in this art that certain modifications and changes can be made to the end guard 10 as contemplated herein. It will be evident, for example, that the frustoconical portion 14 can have other configurations as well. Thus, FIGS. 5 and 6 show a slight variation of the end guard 10 of FIGS. 1 4, with the end portion 14 now having a curvilinear rounded closed end. In that version, it may be preferrable to produce the end guard 10 from a reinforced thermoplastic material, with the body 12 and end portions 14 being moulded together as an integral unit. It is also noted here that the loading lip 27 can have different profiles in addition to those edges shown at 28 and 32.

The following description will aid in understanding how the present end guard 10 can best be used. Normally, the end guard or skidding cone 10 is placed adjacent to the log 23. A choker chain or cable 22 is then threaded through the fairlead and open leading end, and secured circumferentially about the log 23 through the use of a slip hook 36 See FIG. 7. The choker chain or cable 22 is normally adapted to be engaged by a grab hook 38 carried by a chain or cable 40. This chain or cable 40 is normally pulled by a tractor, a draft horse, or the like.

To facilitate loading of the end guard 10, the loading lip 27 is normally disposed on the ground. It is then possible to bring the log and skidding cone or guard 10 together, so that the leading end of the log will slide onto the loading lip 27, and be guided by the reinforcing bars 34 into the body of the guard 10. This latter step occurs when skidding of the log commences, the choker chain or cable 22 thus applying a force which draws the log into the guard 10 until the forward end of the log engages the bar stops 25. Skidding then continues in the normal manner. When the log 23 has been skidded to its destination, the end guard 10 is removed by applying a pulling force to only the end guard 10, as by a hook which engages the apertures 21 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Another, and more convenient method of removing the cone from the end of the log, is placing a skid (section of a tree) at right angles to the direction of travel, and pulling the cone over and slightly beyond it, raising the forward end of the log off the ground, allowing the cone to hang loosely, making the removal of the cone a simple operation.

It is noted that the skidding cone or end guard 10 will travel with the long and heavier side at the bottom, sliding over the ground. Furthermore, the slip hook 36 will generally be disposed on the upper side of the log when travelling, due to the upwardly extending chain or cable, at least in those instances when skidding is done with a draft animal. This is a preferred orientation for both the slip hook 36 and the shovel point 28, while also giving the bar stops 25 an important advantage. With this orientation the bar stops 25 help to keep both the end guard 10 and log 23 in this position by the lateral pressure applied thereto by the chain or cable 22, should the log tend to be displaced to another position by encountering obstacles along the skidding trail.

When the end of the log 23 is ofi the ground, and no other obstacles are present, it is a simple matter to place the end guard 10 over the end of the log manually. However, should the end of the log 23 be embedded in the ground, as shown in FIG. 8, or otherwise obstructed, as in FIG. 9, the log still will be hoisted or rolled into the guard or skidding cone 10 mechanically by the pull of the choker chain, by virtue of the structural configuration of that end guard.

FIG. 8 shows an embedded log about to be pulled by a chain or cable 22 which extends coaxially of that log. The chain 22 is secured to the log so that the slip hook 36 is placed generally on top. The end guard 10 is then positioned against the end of the log 23 at an angle, and with the longitudinally extending loading lip 27 placed downwardly. The shovel point 28 (or alternatively the scalloped edge 32) is forced under the lower edge of the log as far as possible. When the chain 22 is pulled tight and the grab hook 38 secured in the chain as close as possible to the fairlead 20, a pulling force can be applied to the log 23. In that configuration it is to be noted that the chain 22 is pulled straight, and is the shortest distance within the skidding cone 10. As a pulling force is applied to the grab hook 38, the log is lifted slightly upwardly, and forwardly into the body of the end guard 10. Thus, unless a very hard object is encountered, that downward pressure on the skid cone 10 will force the latter downwardly and backwardly over the end of the log 23, until the log abuts against the stop bars 25.

The same procedure can be followed in pulling down a lodged tree separated from the stump. There, the end guard or skidding cone 10 is similarly placed over the end of the lodged tree. The log illustrated in FIG. 9, however, must be pulled laterally in order to clear a stump which is right behind the end guard or skidding cone 10. The guard 10 is placed in that instance with the edge of the longitudinally extending loading lip 27 disposed downwardly and as close to the bottom edge of the log as possible. When a pulling force is then applied in the direction of the stump, the position of the slip hook 36 causes the guard 10 and log 23 to roll together. Such movement then results in the end of the log being placed on the longitudinally extending loading lip 27, so that the log 23 will then slide easily into the end guard or skidding cone 10. The application of a further pulling force will then seat the end of that log 23 against the bar stops 25, and skidding can continue.

The foregoing disclosure has described a number of embodiments of an end guard or a skidding cone contemplated by this invention. It is intended within the spirit of this invention to include herein all such changes and modifications as would be apparent to those knowledgable in this art, and which fall within the scope of the claims below.

I claim:

1. An end guard for use in skidding a log, the guard comprising a cylindrical body open at one end to receive a log to be skidded, the other end of said body being axially convergent to define an aperture of a size sufficient to allow a flexible member to pass therethrough for engaging said log, the open end of said body including a semi-cylindrical extension projecting longitudinally therefrom.

2. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein at least one stop member is provided interiorly of said body to limit the distance a log can be drawn into said convergent end of said guard.

3. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein a shovel point is provided extending outwardly along a portion of said semi-cylindrical extension.

4. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein said cylindrical body includes a pair of spaced apart rib members operable for reinforcing said extension and providing guidance to a log being drawn into said end guard.

5. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein said convergent end is provided with deflecting means operative to inhibit said end guard from abutting against an obstacle such as a tree trunk or stump.

6. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein reinforcing rib members are provided on said semi-cylindrical extension disposed parallel to the axis of said cylindrical body, with deflecting bars being provided on the convergent end of said body to deflect the end guard from becoming lodged against an obstacle such as a tree trunk, said bars being disposed parallel to the reinforcing rib members. 

1. An end guard for use in skidding a log, the guard comprising a cylindrical body open at one end to receive a log to be skidded, the other end of said body being axially convergent to define an aperture of a size sufficient to allow a flexible member to pass therethrough for engaging said log, the open end of said body including a semi-cylindrical extension projecting longitudinally therefrom.
 2. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein at least one stop member is provided interiorly of said body to limit the distance a log can be drawn into said convergent end of said guard.
 3. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein a shovel point is provided extending outwardly along a portion of said semi-cylindrical extension.
 4. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein said cylindrical boDy includes a pair of spaced apart rib members operable for reinforcing said extension and providing guidance to a log being drawn into said end guard.
 5. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein said convergent end is provided with deflecting means operative to inhibit said end guard from abutting against an obstacle such as a tree trunk or stump.
 6. The end guard defined in claim 1 wherein reinforcing rib members are provided on said semi-cylindrical extension disposed parallel to the axis of said cylindrical body, with deflecting bars being provided on the convergent end of said body to deflect the end guard from becoming lodged against an obstacle such as a tree trunk, said bars being disposed parallel to the reinforcing rib members. 